Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: dentstudent on 26/07/2007 09:43:40

Title: Why do you have to open the blinds when you land?
Post by: dentstudent on 26/07/2007 09:43:40

I asked a stewardess this once, and she just said that it was company policy. I think she didn't know.....

I can't think of a good reason for why you should have to. I can see about tables and upright seats (so you don't spill your champagne, obviously), but the blind has left me flummaxed.

Any ideas?

Title: Why do you have to open the blinds when you land?
Post by: paul.fr on 26/07/2007 09:58:03

Quote from: dentstudent on 26/07/2007 09:43:40

I asked a stewardess this once, and she just said that it was company policy. I think she didn't know.....

I can't think of a good reason for why you should have to. I can see about tables and upright seats (so you don't spill your champagne, obviously), but the blind has left me flummaxed.

Any ideas?

Maybe it's too see if you are still alive. Those that do not open their curtains, are either intoxicated or dead. Closed blinds would alert the stewardess of these facts.

Title: Why do you have to open the blinds when you land?
Post by: dentstudent on 26/07/2007 10:00:58

After most plane food, I would have thought that they would have a full "blinds down" situation....

Title: Why do you have to open the blinds when you land?
Post by: Karen W. on 26/07/2007 10:06:20

It's because if you don't they would have to go to every window and open the blinds for the next passengers on board. They want it to be done in advance as departing passengers can wave goodbye to their families and friends and it is just more welcoming.. JUst like anything they are delegating their chores so that their job is easier..LOL I bet thats it!

Title: Why do you have to open the blinds when you land?
Post by: another_someone on 26/07/2007 10:12:41

Three reasons I can see it being the case:

• Firstly to ensure that the passenger is awake and alert (like opening the curtains to the morning sun).  This may help ensure a speedy disembarkation. May be less meaningful in a night-time landing.
• Secondly, in the event of an accident, to ensure the maximum about of natural light (or flood light) would enter the cabins to help people see (and to allow passengers to see dangers when leaving a damaged cabin).
• Thirdly, again in the event of an accident, to allow rescuers to see into the cabin area, and see where passengers (possibly unconscious) might be, and where fire, or other problems, may exist within the cabin area.

Title: Why do you have to open the blinds when you land?
Post by: dentstudent on 26/07/2007 10:20:01

And those on the outside can see in, I suppose. It's all a bit macabre though!

Title: Why do you have to open the blinds when you land?
Post by: paul.fr on 26/07/2007 10:44:53

Quote from: dentstudent on 26/07/2007 10:20:01

And those on the outside can see in, I suppose. It's all a bit macabre though!

Macabre, did someone say macabre...ears pick up.